Queen Alia International Airport Conducts Key Tests at New Terminal

Airport International Group (AIG), the Jordanian consortium responsible for the rehabilitation, expansion, and operation of the Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), announced that a number of successful tests were conducted on equipment necessary to receive aircraft at the new terminal. The integrated Aircraft Stand Equipment (ASE) test took place on Thursday, April 26thand Sunday, April 29th, with relevant partners and stakeholders – including a representative from the Ministry of Transport – in attendance. Royal Falcon Airlines participated in the exercise, providing a test aircraft to allow airport officials to simulate the landing and docking of a real passenger carrier.

The test consisted of five separate elements necessary to safely and smoothly position an aircraft in the docking position. The exercise started with the test of the Visual Guidance Docking System; this shows docking information to arriving aircrafts to enable pilots to position their aircraft correctly for docking. Once the aircraft had reached its final docking position, the passenger boarding bridge was tested to ensure that there were no issues moving the bridge into place and interlocking with the aircraft.

While also in the docking position, the ground power units were connected with the aircraft to check the system’s ability to monitor and resupply electrical power levels. Another diagnostic computerized system, the Integrated Aircraft Stand System was connected to the aircraft as well to give technicians a full evaluation of the aircraft’s electronic and mechanical systems.

While the aircraft is docked and passengers are debarking and subsequently boarding, it is necessary to provide freshly-circulating air to ensure the comfort of the crew and travelers. For that reason the pre-conditioned air unit was tested, with the system successfully providing hot or cold air to the aircraft as demanded.

This exercise is part of a series of tests involving AIG and its partners to ensure the readiness of the new terminal as preparations continue for its opening.

AIG’s investment of US $750 million to build the new terminal – in addition to US $100 million spent on rehabilitating the terminals currently in use – is intended to develop Jordan’s prime gateway, QAIA, as a regional niche hub and turn the airport into a source of pride for all Jordanians. This national landmark is in advanced stages of construction, with operational readiness expected to be reached at the conclusion of 2012.